Kidney stone disease is increasingly recognized as a chronic condition closely tied to metabolic health, with obesity standing out as a major risk factor. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease are closely associated with the development and recurrence of kidney stones.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Heart disease can develop and present differently in women compared to men, and studies show that women may downplay their symptoms or delay seeking treatment. In women, the risk of heart attack and stroke increases with age, especially after menopause.

Throughout the course of his life, University of Alabama at Birmingham patient Bill Wingate has had four open heart surgeries, seven heart valve replacements and multiple heart catheterizations. Wingate is one of the estimated 2 million people living with a congenital heart defect, and this Heart Month, Wingate is using his story to inspire others.

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Cardiovascular Institute (CVI) published a study in Circulation showing that, among ventricular assist device recipients, patients with a particular form of dilated cardiomyopathy known as familial dilated cardiomyopathy have better clinical outcomes compared with other forms of the disease.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with one person dying of heart disease every 36 seconds. Although lifestyle factors play a major role in the risk of cardiovascular diseases, experts from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Cardiovascular Institute have determined that genetics may also play a role in the development of cardiovascular risk factors.

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death globally. On average, someone dies of heart disease every 36 seconds in the United States. Although many factors contribute to one’s heart health, wholesome nutrition is a major factor in combating plaque buildup in coronary arteries, which results in the most common type of heart disease, coronary artery disease.

Halloween is the official holiday of fear, when haunted attractions and horror movie marathons offer plenty of scares. But here’s an important Halloween question for medical experts: Is it possible to be frightened to death?

Heart disease is a leading cause of death, so it’s important to keep track of your heart’s state of health. Getting regular checkups with your doctor is the best way to do that. It’s also a good idea to understand the basic “heart-health numbers,” which are measures of cardiovascular fitness and may indicate risks for certain medical conditions.

February is American Heart Month, an annual observance designed to increase awareness about heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Each year, one in four deaths is caused by heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. Fortunately, almost 80 percent of heart disease cases can be prevented when people make healthier choices and manage their medical conditions.